Former Ontario trade diplomat Len Crispino was greatly inspired by Amarone, fermented from dried (appassimento) grapes. He and his wife Marisa planted 40 acres in Vineland in 2001 and applied this Old World technique to a New World setting. Joined by Louis (their sibling), they applied 100% appassimento to Cabernet Franc, reminiscent of the iconic Quintarelli wines. The innovation was then extended to all of their reds (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir) as well as all of their whites. The proprietors have passionately positioned this boutique winery to a uniquely Canadian interpretation of appassimento. The “foreign a"air” continues in the winery tasting room, where guests are transported to the ceramic-tiled hearth of an Italian villa.